I had a really early start this morning, anticipating that the Garden Centre which is our best one would be open for business and Mr Braithwaite would be there to offer advice. The centre is in Bedale, which is about twelve miles from where I live and I must say this is the furthest I have driven since Lockdown began. The trouble at my age is that if one doesn't keep driving one begins to lose confidence - I have several friends who have reached this stage and as I am coming up to my eighty-eighth birthday I really would like to hold on a bit longer - but not of course until I become a liability on the road.
The roads were quite busy but I know the way well and got there with no trouble. I had already rung to check that there would be somebody there to offer advice and he was waiting when I arrived. I wished to buy the evergreens for planting up my patio when it is finished. He suggested seven different ones in various greens and yellows - and one which goes orange in Winter. Those chosen they were put on one side for delivery next week. I then bought - and brought home - violas and polyanthus to plant up the tubs by my front door for over wintering.
I found driving back harder - I came a slightly different way - an easier way - but I was saddened because I ran over and killed a pigeon. I know many folk dislike pigeons, seeing them as pests. But I happen to think that all nature's creatures have an equal right to life (not sure about rats). Arriving home I was just too weary to lift the box of tub plants out of the boot of my car. I struggled into the house, put the remains of my yesterday's cottage pie on a plate, put mixed veg in the steamer for five minutes, stuffed a Bramley apple with raisins and honey and within about ten minutes had a lunch ready. Then I sat down and had an hour's sleep. I feel much more awake now!
The plants will be here early next week and once that area is finished there is only the Mares Tail plot to deal with. 'Only' I say - but together D, my gardener, and I will beat it. (says she hopefully).